Seismic performance of bolted connection between T-shaped section column and I-section beam with L-stubs

Abstract

Bolted beam-to-column connections can reduce the construction period and are proper for prefabricated structures. Based on the traditional bolted connections, a beam-to-column bolted joint with L-stubs was proposed to connect the I-section beam and T-shaped section column using only bolts on site. Changing the parameters of L-stub end plate thickness, stiffener layouts, friction coefficient, column web thickness and the quantity of the beam flange bolts, experimental and numerical investigations were conducted on the cyclic performances of the proposed joint, and the hysteretic curve, skeleton curve, deformation characteristics, ductility and rotational capacity, as well as the slipping, yield and ultimate resistances, were analyzed. According to the results, the proposed joint can perform as a rigid joint without slipping under small earthquakes, and develop considerable ductility and energy dissipation ability under moderate or large earthquakes by slipping and plastic deformations. Increasing the friction coefficient can improve the slipping moment, and the stiffeners can improve the joints stiffness. The joint energy dissipation capacity could be increased by adding bolts. Based on the analysis, recommended parameter values for the joints were provided, and simplified formulas were proposed to calculate the slipping, yield and ultimate moment resistances, providing satisfactory accuracy when compared to the test and finite element results.